RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the act of bullying encompasses physical aggression, threats, teasing, and harassment, and is a widespread problem in schools; and

WHEREAS, nearly one-third of United States students report that they experience bullying either as a target or as a perpetrator; and

WHEREAS, students who reported that they were the targets of bullying also reported feelings of loneliness and difficulty in making friends; and

WHEREAS, students' daily experiences with intimidation and physical abuse in school are largely ignored by school administration and accepted simply as a typical part of the school day; and

WHEREAS, cyber bullying is another increased form of bullying that occurs through the use of technological communication, such as e-mail, blogs, chatrooms, and instant messaging, mediums which many students use daily and go undetected by adults; and

WHEREAS, all too often, schools deal with bullying merely by implementing reactive measures such as the installation of metal detectors, surveillance cameras, or extra security aides, none of which address specific underlying issues which may exist, and therefore produce no positive tangible results; and

WHEREAS, many school policies on conduct take into account intimidation among students, but often overlook the volatile relationships that can exist between students and their teachers, administrators, or coaches; and

WHEREAS, adults who supervise students should be held accountable for any volatile relationship with a student because it can have a long-term negative impact on the student's development; and

WHEREAS, researchers advocate prevention programs that promote positive school and community environments; and

WHEREAS, components of effective programs include early intervention practices, parent training, teacher training, and attitude changes toward bullying; and

WHEREAS, schools with transparent codes of conduct, smaller class sizes, and fair discipline practices report fewer incidents of violence; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that all Hawaii schools, public and private, are urged to implement standards of conduct for teachers, administrators, coaches, and students that reduce intimidation and promote safe and peaceful school environments that encourage learning; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Superintendent of Education, and the Executive Director of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools.

Report Title:

Bullying and Intimidation; Schools Standard of Conduct